Mary Starks

As a Los Angeles native, Dr. Mary Starks currently serves as the Bachelor of Social Work Program Director/Administrative Faculty at Pacific Oaks College. She is passionate about mentoring young people and advocating for underserved communities. Dr. Starks educational background includes a Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work from the California State University of Long Beach. Conversely, Dr. Starks' professional background of over 25 years includes extensive experience in community-based social work in the Greater Los Angeles communities. More specifically, Dr. Starks has more than 25 years of experience in program development, youth development work, developing mentoring programs, workforce development, community organizing, and serving on community steering committees. Dr. Starks' research interest includes Transfer of Training and Advancing Systemic Justice

Previous Positions:

1) Deputy Director at Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, California

2) Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College in the Community Psychology Program.

3) Social Work Program Manager and Field Instructor at A New Way of Life (working with formerly incarcerated women)

4) Director and Social Work Field Instructor at Brotherhood Crusade YouthSource Center, Los Angeles, California

Awards/Honors

Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program 2018 Emerging Leader

The Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program focuses on developing a pipeline of talented community leaders and equipping them to advance economic mobility in local communities while advancing cross-sector leadership. Only 62 high-performing Emerging Leaders from nonprofit organizations were chosen from over 700 submissions from 45 markets across the U.S. as Neighborhood Builders to advance economic mobility.

The Heart of Social Work Award - May 2017

The award was presented to USC School of Social Work Field Instructors who provided outstanding, innovative service to the University of Southern California School of Social Work through field education, collaboration, and teaching.